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Colts' Jonathan Taylor Addresses Trade Rumors, Focuses on Upcoming Game
Confirmed
In Short: Jonathan Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts' star running back, addressed trade rumors this week, emphasizing his commitment to the team and focusing on the upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jonathan Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts' star running back, addressed trade rumors this week, emphasizing his commitment to the team and focusing on the upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor's comments came amid speculation about potential trades involving the Colts, who have already dealt key players like Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, opposing teams are not entirely convinced the Colts will trade Taylor despite heavy interest. Fowler noted that Taylor's contract is 'tradeable' since the acquiring team would only have to take on $8 million in prorated salary plus bonus money for this season, and could technically move on from Taylor within five days after the Super Bowl without any financial commitment for next season.
Taylor's contract extension, signed in August, locks him in with the Colts through 2028. However, the Colts' recent fire sale has raised questions about Taylor's future with the team. ESPN's Dan Graziano pointed out that Taylor is the face of the franchise and a cornerstone of the offense, having eclipsed 1,400 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons.
Taylor's focus on the game against the Jaguars was evident during a recent interview. 'We're going out there trying to win,' Taylor said. 'It's all speculation until stuff started happening.' He also emphasized his pride in wearing the Colts' uniform, stating, 'I haven't heard anything, and I can't control that. Obviously, you guys know, I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe.'
Taylor's teammate, wide receiver Josh Downs, has also emerged as a potential trade candidate. Downs, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, set career highs in 2024 but saw his production dip last season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that Downs 'has emerged as a hot name this week' since multiple teams with a need at wide receiver have shown interest in him.
The Colts' decision to fire General Manager Chris Ballard last week has added to the speculation about potential trades. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos are likely to 'ponder the possibility' of acquiring Taylor, a three-time Pro Bowler.
Taylor's message to the team and the media was clear: 'Similar to Quenton and Buck, they were proud to wear the Horseshoe, they were proud to be here. But obviously circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come. But I can't control that. The only thing I can control is rallying these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan and executing a great plan for Jacksonville.'
Taylor also acknowledged the challenges of staying focused amid the speculation. 'Obviously, it can maybe be tough to stay focused,' he said. 'Because, like I said, it’s a division game. They’re licking their chops right now. They think they’re going to kick us while we’re down, and that has to be a point of emphasis.'
What this adds
The Colts have not officially confirmed any plans to trade Taylor, but the speculation continues as the team undergoes a rebuild. The Colts' interim general manager, Ed Dodds, has reportedly expressed some doubt over whether to move Taylor.
Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who shares a similar name with the NFL star, was arrested on suspicion of obstruction and public intoxication near Malibu, adding to the confusion surrounding the name Jonathan Taylor in the sports and entertainment worlds.
Background
NFL star Jonathan Taylor's trade possibilities are under discussion, while actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas was arrested for public intoxication and obstruction.
What's confirmed
- "Similar to Quenton and Buck, they were proud to wear the Horseshoe, they were proud to be here. But obviously circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come. But I can't control that. The only thing I can control is rallying these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan and executing a great plan for Jacksonville."
What's still developing
- Fowler added that he senses Downs "would not be against a change of scenery," although he isn't sure if the Colts will move them since they are already thin at wide receiver with Alec Pierce on injured reserve.
- On the heels of the 2-5 Colts dealing guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, there is some belief that they may not be done selling off pieces.
- The biggest trade asset remaining on Indy's roster is Taylor, although there is reportedly some doubt over whether interim general manager Ed Dodds would be willing to move him.
- He is on pace for a career-worst season in 2026, recording 26 catches for 307 yards and no touchdowns through seven games.
- On this week's episode of the Colts Show, JJ Stankevitz is joined by long time Sports Illustrated writer Peter King.
- The Colts signed the 30-year-old Pratt, who started 12 games for them in 2025, to their practice squad on Tuesday.
- The Colts put it out there early in the week that they don't plan on trading Taylor, but time will tell how truthful they're being about that.
- Per Jake Arthur, Shane Steichen notably said Wednesday that Taylor has not requested a trade, though he would not specify if either Nelson or Buckner did.
- As reported by TMZ and multiple other outlets on Wednesday, Home Improvement star Jonathan Taylor Thomas had a run-in with the law near Malibu this week.
- CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell recently wrote about football stars who could force a trade this offseason or into the 2026 regular season, and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor landed on the list.
- “It’s an insane, unprecedented honor to introduce a cherished member of our little Toy Story 5 family,” Conan O’Brien said when introducing her.
- He rose to fame playing Randy Taylor, son of Tim Allen’s handyman TV host Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, on the mega-popular sitcom Home Improvement.